MPhys Research Year

A practical guide to the assessed research year: what it is for, what happens when, what students need to do and how Surrey staff and external supervisors support the process.

The SurreyLearn module pages (MPhys, PHY3062 and PHYM051) and the University module catalogue remain the definitive sources for live deadlines, submission points and formal assessment requirements. The MPhys handbook, available at the MPhys page on Surreylearn, contains much more detail than this page and should be consulted.

Who this guide is for

  • Students should use it to understand procedures, milestones, assessments and practical planning
  • Research supervisors should use it to understand the student process and where their input is needed
  • Visiting tutors should use it as a checklist for visits, monitoring and assessment.

About the Research Year

Purpose

The Research Year is a period of assessed research in a university, laboratory or other research environment, normally running from February to the following January. Students remain enrolled at Surrey while working day to day with a host research group.

Core idea

The placement is not an extended laboratory class with a known answer. Students are expected to join a research team, develop independence, communicate professionally and take ownership of a substantial project.

Timetable

Exact dates are cohort-specific and published on SurreyLearn.

PeriodStudent processStaff / supervisor process
FebruaryStart Research Year and PHY3062Confirm day-to-day supervision, safety, access, project scope and communication channels
April – JuneFirst visit, project plan, journal-paper review and oral presentationVisiting tutor and research supervisor review plan, assess oral work, discuss supervision and monitor welfare
Mid-JulySubmit interim dissertationSurrey staff mark; research supervisor may provide contextual commentary where requested
September – OctoberSecond visitVisiting tutor checks progress and scientific understanding; research supervisor discusses performance and project direction
JanuarySubmit dissertation and present at symposiumSurrey assesses dissertation and presentation; hosts are normally invited to attend

View key timings for students

Assessments

Deadlines below are indicative. Use the SurreyLearn module pages for the live deadline, submission point, marking guidance and any cohort-specific updates.

ModuleAssessmentWeightIndicative timingPurpose
PHY3062Project planFormativeAt least one week before first visitClarify objectives, training needs, risks and schedule.
PHY3062Journal-paper review20%By mid-JuneDemonstrate understanding of a key paper chosen with the Research Supervisor.
PHY3062Oral presentation20%By mid-JuneExplain the literature gap, project context and planned approach.
PHY3062Interim Dissertation / literature review60%Mid-JulyShow detailed understanding of background literature, context and preparation.
PHYM051Research Year Dissertation80%JanuaryReport the substantial original research element of the Research Year.
PHYM051MPhys Symposium oral presentation20%JanuaryCommunicate research outcomes to the School, peers and invited guests.

Information for students

Find out what you need to sort before you start and what happens during your Research Year.

Information for staff, hosts and supervisors

Understand your role in the Research Year.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Research Year only during semester time?

It is a calendar-year research placement. The physical placement usually runs right through from about February to December with appropriate vacation, and the formal assessed period continues to January, i.e. the end of the first semester of undergraduate year four.

It is like a true research position in this regard.

Can I work from home?

The Research Year is intended to develop professional research skills through daily interaction with a research group. Remote-only work is normally not the aim.

Campus-based work with a local supervisor can be suitable when it gives genuine research-group integration.

Who fixes problems with money, accommodation or visas?

The student is responsible for planning these practical matters, but should seek help early from the University, especially the International Engagement Office and the host where relevant.

Visa and accommodation delays can affect start dates, so they should be treated as project risks.

Can my supervisor edit my report?

Supervisors can discuss science, structure and expectations, but they should not rewrite the report or correct the English in a way that undermines student authorship.

As part of the PHY3062 course, you are trained in scientific writing.

What is the difference between the interim dissertation and final dissertation?

The interim dissertation focuses on literature, context and preparation.

The final dissertation reports the substantive research work and results from the placement.

What if a placement starts late?

Funding, visa and administrative delays can happen. The placement should still meet the required minimum length, and preparatory work should begin before physical arrival where possible.

Risk assessments should take into account such problems and suggest mitigations.

Who marks what?

Surrey staff mark the main written submissions under university procedures.

The research supervisor contributes directly to the oral-presentation and journal-article review assessments, and may provide contextual information for written work when requested.

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